SMALL DOSES

While the advertising and entertainment industries glamorize women with tiny bodies, maintaining such small frames in real life can be nearly impossible and extremely dangerous.

Psychiatrists have reported seeing the age in patients suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia drop in recent years. Many people blame ads, movies and television shows which glorify ultra-thin women. Glamorizing unhealthy bodies and attitudes can have a profound effect on girls in the pre- and early teen years, said Dr. David Waller, who specializes in eating disorders at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Concerned parents can help their daughters steer clear from such eating disorders by watching out for warning signs which include an obsession with food and/or exercise; wearing baggy clothing; spending less time with friends; frequent trips to the bathroom especially after meals; changes in sleep patterns.

UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Severe headaches

While most headaches are normal side effects of other problems, ignoring sudden or unusually intense headaches can lead to more harmful health problems.

''If the pain feels like a bomb exploding or a gunshot, you could have a serious medical condition,'' said Dr. Dion Graybeal, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Most headaches begin gradually with a throbbing or pulsating sensation.

Headaches that are accompanied by a loss of vision, numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, language or memory problems, high fever or trouble walking should be a red flag for immediate medical attention.

These symptoms could lead to or represent an aneurysm, stroke or disease such as meningitis.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Low-down on laser surgeries

Although being able to see without the hassle of contacts or eye glasses may sound appealing, those interested should do research before taking the plunge.

There are several side effects that come with the territory, many of which include poor night vision (seeing ''halos'' around lights); light sensitivity and glare; clouding or ''haze'' of the cornea. You may also run the risk of having your eyesight end up in worse shape than it was before the surgery.

Because laser surgeries are permanent and cost about $2,000 per eye, look for an experience eye surgeon who has performed many procedures before. Ask them about the pros and cons and make sure you are a likely candidate for the surgery.